The Tampa Bay Buccaneers dominated the New Orleans Saints on October 26, 2025, with a final score of 23-3. The game was a showcase of the Buccaneers' defensive prowess, as Anthony Nelson had an outstanding performance, including an interception for a touchdown, a forced fumble, and two sacks. Sean Tucker also contributed with a 1-yard score on fourth down.
The Buccaneers' defense was relentless, forcing four turnovers and playing a significant role in the early exit of the Saints' second-year quarterback, Spencer Rattler. Despite the Saints' struggles, rookie QB Tyler Shough was inserted late in the third quarter, but his efforts couldn't turn the tide. The Buccaneers' offense, led by Baker Mayfield, secured a comfortable win, even though it didn't have its best day.
The game's turning point came in the second quarter when the Saints' defense stopped the Buccaneers on four goal-to-go runs, only to be followed by Nelson's defensive touchdown. Nelson's interception and subsequent end-zone run showcased his versatility and impact. However, the Buccaneers almost lost their 14-0 lead due to a controversial call, as an inadvertent whistle wiped out a defensive touchdown, and the Saints capitalized with a field goal.
The Buccaneers' offense struggled to maintain momentum, but Tucker's touchdown in the third quarter and Chase McLaughlin's second-half field goals helped them pull away. Rattler, with a career NFL record of 1-13, struggled with 15 of 21 completed passes for 136 yards and lost a fumble. Shough, on the other hand, completed 17 of 30 passes for 128 yards, but his accurate pass to Chris Olave was intercepted by Winfield.
The game also saw some injuries, with CB Jacob Parrish and DT Bryan Bresee receiving medical attention, and the Saints' CB Alontae Taylor and WR Rashid Shaheed also sustaining injuries. The Buccaneers now prepare for a Week 9 bye before hosting New England, while the Saints face the Los Angeles Rams next Sunday.
